Newcastle will head to Hong Kong this summer with four other Premier League teams

Miles Starforth

NEWCASTLE United will compete in the HKFC Citibank Soccer Sevens this summer.

Football development manager Peter Beardsley will take a squad of Under-21 players to the Far East for the annual seven-a-side tournament, which runs from May 29-31.

Stoke City, West Ham United, Aston Villa and Leicester City are also sending teams to Hong Kong for the competition, which Newcastle won in 2012.

Tony Bratsanos, chairman of the organising committee, said: “The HKFC Citibank Soccer Sevens has always had a strong presence from the Premier League, so we’re delighted that Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Leicester City are continuing their participation and will be bidding to lift the cup again.

“We’re excited that West Ham will be coming back after a brief break, as they were a very popular side when they played here.

“And we’re also proud that we were able to secure Stoke City for their tournament debut.

“Stoke are enjoying a fine season, and will be a welcome addition to the main competition.”